Summary
- Volkswagen Group is the second largest automotive group globally, with multiple passenger car brands under its ownership
- Li Auto is a successful China-based EV startup that focuses on big, comfy SUVs with EREV technology
- AITO is an EV brand part of the Seres Group, with a focus on intelligent auto technology and collaboration with Huawei
- BMW Group is a well-known automotive brand with a large lineup of EVs, including the best-selling i4 liftback and iX1 crossover
- Chinese startups like Li Auto and AITO saw significant growth in 2024 while legacy OEMs like Volkswagen Group faced challenges as a result of slowing down electrification efforts
Article
The article discusses the best-selling automotive groups for plugin electric vehicles, focusing on Volkswagen Group, Li Auto, AITO, and BMW Group. Volkswagen Group, the second largest automotive group globally, owns several passenger car brands and has a significant presence in the Chinese market. Li Auto, a China-based EV startup, has seen rapid growth by offering big, comfy SUVs with EREV technology. AITO, a brand belonging to the Seres Group, has gained volume and relevance through a partnership with Huawei, leading to a successful 2024 with the launch of its flagship M9 SUV. BMW Group, known for its premium vehicles, has a large lineup of EVs with the BMW brand representing the majority of its EV sales.
The analysis reveals that Chinese startups like Li Auto and AITO are accelerating their growth, while German legacy OEMs like Volkswagen Group seem to have stalled. Volkswagen Group’s sales have slowed down significantly since 2022, coinciding with the removal of CEO Herbert Diess. Li Auto and AITO had a successful 2024, but they will need more models and increase exports to continue growing. BMW Group is banking on upcoming Neue Klasse models for growth, with the new iX3 set to launch in 2025. The Chinese market plays a significant role in the overall EV sales of these OEMs, with concerns about potential loss in sales in a PEV-based Chinese market.
The article highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by these automotive groups in the evolving EV market. Chinese startups are gaining traction with their unique offerings, while established OEMs are adapting to the shift towards electrification. Volkswagen Group, Li Auto, AITO, and BMW Group each have distinct strategies and product lineups to capture a share of the growing EV market. The importance of China as a key market for EV sales is emphasized, with implications for the future growth and success of these OEMs. Overall, the analysis provides insights into the dynamics of the EV industry and the competitive landscape among major automotive groups.
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